JULY 2018 RETAILOBSERVER.COM
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Thousands of hardware and home improvement professionals from
throughout the industry gathered at the Las Vegas Convention Center
for the 73rd edition of the National Hardware Show. Attendees and
exhibitors alike had the chance to network, learn about new products
and see the latest and greatest in industry trends.
T
he 2018 National Hardware Show was a
successful one," says Rich Russo, vice
president of the National Hardware Show.
"With three busy days full of excitement and
enthusiasm, we were thrilled to see such a great
turnout and hope everyone left feeling inspired by
the ideas, best practices, insights, and new
connections made at the Show. It was inspiring
for us to see so many industry professionals from
across the country and all over the world gather
together here at NHS."
As always, a key focus for all who attended
were new products—not only could retailers find
the latest and greatest at the Show, but there
were several featured areas where their latest
innovations and developments were on display.
"We're constantly looking for products for our
electrical department," says Diana Newton, vice
president of Bay Hardware in Seal Beach,
California. "There are always improvements to be
made there."
SPECIALTY AREAS
The Ultimate Backyard was a brand-new area
that offered a chance for attendees to find the
latest and greatest outdoor living products in
their natural environment: outdoors! Fiberbuilt
Umbrellas featured their product in this new
display. "I like The Ultimate Backyard," says Paul
Knapp, president of Fiberbuilt Umbrellas. "I've
come to the Show for years and always came out
to the tailgate area, but I had to head back inside
to see the outdoor accessories. This area brings
everything together in one place." The Ultimate
Backyard was sponsored by Adams.
OPERATION TINY HOME
Operation Tiny Home joined the National
Hardware Show family this year to showcase the
latest trends in tiny and container home
construction and raise awareness about housing
instability across the country. Zack Giffin, co-host
of "Tiny Home Nation," teamed up with local
veterans to teach them valuable woodworking
and construction skills as they completed a
furniture-making workshop. The furniture was
then displayed in a tiny home that attendees
could tour outside in Tailgate, Backyard & BBQ.
The home was later donated to provide shelter to
veterans in need.
Success
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